Mug shot of 18-year-old Casey Williams, who was arrested after being found with a loaded handgun Friday morning at Thomson High School, in Thomson, Georgia. (Courtesy: McDuffie County Law Enforcement Center)

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Mug shot of 18-year-old Casey Williams, who was arrested after being found with a loaded handgun Friday morning at Thomson High School, in Thomson, Georgia. (Courtesy: McDuffie County Law Enforcement Center)

A GBI spokesperson tell us a McDuffie County school resource officer found a loaded small caliber handgun on a student who had just arrived at Thomson High School Friday morning.

The student has been identified as 18-year-old Casey Williams, who is a 9th grader.

The GBI was requested to assist with the investigation. Agents responded and determined that Williams had been involved in an off-campus altercation on Thursday. The spokesperson says Williams brought the firearm to school following the altercation.

Investigators are continuing to look into the incident to determine Williams' intentions and the origin of the handgun.

Williams is currently being held at the McDuffie County Law Enforcement Center and is charged with Possession of a Handgun on School Property.

***UPDATED at 3:28 P.M. on Friday, August 14th***

Thomson, GA - We have learned more information concerning a student who was found with a weapon Friday morning at Thomson High School.

A Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesperson tells us the student was an 18-year-old male and he was arrested Friday morning after he was found to have a loaded handgun.

The investigation into the incident revealed that the student says there was an altercation the day before and he claimed the gun was for self defense.

There was apparently no evidence to indicate that the student intended to harm multiple people.

The student has been charged with Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds.

We will continue to follow this developing story and we will provide the latest information as it becomes available.

***POSTED at 9:54 A.M. and UPDATED at 2:29 P.M. on Friday, August 14th***

The release goes on to say that, in an abundance of caution for the students, they will continue to use the metal detectors through out the school year as well as additional security measures.

McDuffie County School Superintendent Dr. Mychelle Rhodes declined to speak with us about the incident. She did say she wants the day to go on as a normal school day. Our Margaret-Ann Carter will have much more on this story during our Friday evening newscasts.